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The Pakistani government has recently been in the spotlight for granting special permits to members of the Dubai royal family. These permits explicitly allow them to hunt the houbara bustard, an internationally protected bird species, during the ongoing 2020-21 hunting season.
About Bustards
Bustards are terrestrial birds that encompass several species. Known for their large size, some species rank among the biggest flying birds in the world. One significant type is the houbara bustard, recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as having two distinct species.
Two Distinct Species of Houbara Bustard
The IUCN identifies two key species of houbara bustard: North African bustards, scientifically known as Chlamydotis undulata, and Asian bustards, or Chlamydotis macqueenii. Despite sharing the same classification, these two species inhabit vastly different regions.
Habitat of Asian Houbara
The geographical distribution of the Asian houbara bustards is expansive. It spans from Northeast Asia, traversing Central Asia, the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, and concludes at the Sinai desert in Egypt. These bustards, after their springtime breeding period, migrate southwards to spend winters in Pakistan, the Arabian Peninsula and other regions in Southwest Asia.
Reasons for Decline
The decline in numbers of houbara bustards can primarily be attributed to poaching and unregulated hunting. In addition to these threats, the degradation of their natural habitat is also a significant factor contributing to their decrease. Constant urban development, shifting weather and environmental patterns, and human intrusion have led to their habitats being destroyed, further intensifying their vulnerability.
Conservation Status
The conservation status of the houbara bustard is categorised as ‘vulnerable’ by the IUCN. Acting as a testament to its precarious position, the bird is additionally listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Furthermore, the bird comes under Appendix II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). This status signifies that the bird is not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so unless trade is strictly regulated.
Despite the protection offered by international conventions, the houbara bustard faces significant threats from human activities. The recent granting of special hunting permits in Pakistan reflects how the bird’s survival is often compromised for short-term gains, underscoring the critical need for stricter wildlife conservation measures globally.
